Aldi Suisse, together with Swiss Post and other retailers, is testing a new model that aims to simplify package delivery and collection by customers.
In the Bern region, the retailer is carrying out operational tests on parcel delivery and collection stations at three of its branches. The pilot phase takes place from 29 January to 30 June 2018, after which an evaluation report will be drawn up, and a decision will be made on whether to extend the service nationally.
In the pilot phase, customers can deliver and pick up packages during opening hours, from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 20:00 and Saturday from 08:00 to 17:00.
Customers will need a Swiss Post account to collect packages or registered mail, and can have the items sent to the branch of their choice.
Aldi Suisse has been cooperating with Swiss Post since 2014, when the 'My Post 24' parcel delivery machines were introduced. Since then, seven Aldi Suisse branches have been equipped with these machines.
Sustainability
Meanwhile, Aldi Suisse has also signed up to the Swiss Platform for Sustainable Cocoa. The new association will focus on promoting sustainable cocoa cultivation, with the aim of improving the working conditions of cocoa farmers, to the benefit of the sector.
The association aims to coordinate dialogue with organisations and authorities from production countries, and promote the supply and demand for products containing cocoa of sustainable origin.
"A common goal is to act progressively so that, by 2025, 80% of imported products containing cocoa are obtained via sustainable processes," said Fabienne Schürmann, director of corporate responsibility at Aldi Suisse.
"As part of its commitment within the association, Aldi Suisse will focus on developing projects to promote cocoa sustainability and the application of innovative solutions.”
Cocoa is an important raw material in many of Aldi Suisse's products, and the retailer has already adopted a policy of using UTZ or Fairtrade-certified cocoa in all of its private label confectionery products.
From 2020, the retailer's aim is that all Aldi Suisse products will contain only certified cocoa.
© 2018 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
